RA Camping Prep, 04/05/2021

 Good morning all! Hubby and I got planning a few of our upcoming camping trips. So excited! Our first trip will be just the weekend in a few weeks. Which means, we need to get started on everything! For me, the biggest part of getting ready are 1) food 2) cleaning 3) packing. With the health issues, RA, osteoarthritis, balance and brain issues, I have found that early planning and preparation works the best for me. And lists. I love my lists! One of the biggest lists I use is Google Keep. A lot of the Google products work interchangeably and can save to Keep. I have made up a food packing list as well as what items we need/want to pack. This way, I can be sure I haven't forgotten anything. I also like that once you have the item packed, you can check it off your list.

Food. We all love camping food. For whatever reason, food always tastes better camping. I don't know if it's because the relaxing atmosphere from being away from the daily grind, that you get to cook over a grill or open fire, or that everyone is "present". I like the limited or no internet to keep everyone focused on the present. My husband will help with the cooking too, which I truly appreciate! The table grill we got is a little temperamental in that it has a hot spot or two, so he is a master at using it. We also recently picked up the table top griddle, which will be nice for breakfasts. We had gotten the one that slides on top of the little grill, but the hot spots made it too much of a challenge to use. We plan on each meal we intend to have while we camp. From this, I will prepare or mix as much as I can prior to cooking. That way, if it's a bad joint day, then it won't be so much of a struggle getting the food ready and if he has to help, then it's helpful to him. Meals are typically basic. We have eggs and pancakes most mornings with a meat, either sausage links or bacon. Lunches are light, we make sandwiches at home and pack in the fridge. Dinner is mainly grilled meats, or sausage, onion & potatoes over the campfire or chili. Based on where we are camping, we may take some time to go out to eat. When we go to Scioto Trails, it is well worth the drive to Waverly to get some yummy wings and pizza from Fred's Pizza. They have a large menu, so it fits the family members that are camping with us. We also like trying different places if we are having to drive for a different nature preserve or event in the area. I do keep extra pantry items, baked beans (which I prepare in an old crock pot), veggies, granola bars, s'mores ingredients, tea, spices and seasonings, pb&j, bread and chips. We also bring a pack of water or fill up the Camelbacks depending on how long we plan to be out and hiking. Oh, and wanted to add that I add recipes to Google Sheets, which I linked to Keep and make it available off-line. Another helping hand in the food department!

Cleaning. Sad to say, but I do keep my camper cleaner than my house! I do a full clean at the beginning of the season. Sheets, towels, everything gets the clean treatment. When we get to our site, I sweep again. The camper typically gets swept twice a day. My family thinks it's a little overkill, all the cleaning, having a flexible hamper for the dirties, but if I don't keep up on things and start having pain, then it all snowballs. I keep a couple of different cleaners, spray and wipes and use depending on how I feel and the time available. The options don't take up a lot of room and really helps. Plus, you never know what messes will happen while your out. I keep extra towels and paper towels and toilet paper as well. When we took our Coleman out the first time, it seemed like everything broke! We had water spraying everywhere and several other issues that we had to leave the site and take the camper directly to the shop. We need to address a few more issues for this season, but I will still get a lot of the cleaning done and touch up as needed. When we get back, once again, another sweep and clean. I'm hoping with the extra attention to the cleaning that our travel trailer will last for several more years and look lovely.

Packing. Again, I try to keep this in place to save time and as a just in case. I have several clothing items I keep in the camper to save time and ensure I don't miss anything. A quick inventory at the start of camping season really helps with this. And since I'm doing an inventory on Keep, I can easily see what I need and check things off my list. I have Tylenol and ibuprofen bottles that I refill and a first aid kit. This will get inventoried as well and expiration dates checked. Sean (hubby), keeps very good track of equipment and will pack accordingly. We keep fishing gear loaded as I enjoy this as well. Also, since inclement weather can always happen, we also keep some entertainment on hand. We do have a sound system, DVD player and a TV, as well as some family friendly movies we all enjoy as well as games. We mainly keep cards as well as a family game set that has chess, checkers, backgammon and such. One weekend, the weather called for a small chance of rain that ended up being a huge storm that lasted for hours. During that time, Sean taught our son to play a couple of card games. It was great that he learned and loved it and we loved that it kept him off of any devices. I also keep a few actual books on hand as well as the ones I have downloaded to my tablet. Sometimes I'm not up to going out adventuring and a good read and tea helps.

I know, a lot of basics, but I have found that sticking to the basics is a necessity in camping with health and pain issues. As we get the camper ready, I will add more of what we've done in it so far and add the pictures.

Okay all, take care and God Bless!!